The Maya Worldview:


For the Maya, humanity and maize were inseparable.

Stone Buddha head embedded in the roots of a large tree.

Stick People- They could not bend.

In the creation story, the first people failed because they lacked the qualities needed to fulfill their purpose. They were transformed into trees.

A distant view of a hill or small mountain with lush green vegetation under a cloudy sky.

Clay People- They could not endure.

The clay people were another unsuccessful creation and were eventually transformed into aspects of the natural world, namely mountains and more trees

A vibrant digital illustration of an ancient Mesoamerican scene with people in traditional clothing participating in a ceremony in front of a large pyramid and a carved stone monument, with lush green mountains and a sunrise in the background.

Corn People-Humanity's successful creation.

The final creation (Mayas/máasewal) was made from maize. In Maya thought, corn was deeply connected to human life, identity, agriculture and survival.